If you asked my husband what one thing he would rescue out of the office should it catch on fire, it would probably be the shredder! I’m really not sure he could live without it. He shreds EVERYTHING! Yes, important/sensitive documents that we no longer need go through the shredder, but I also find things like, Oh…. empty envelopes in the “shred pile.” I guess he just feels super accomplished to put a large pile of paper through the shredder. I guess in a way I can’t blame him. 🙂
Needless to say, when we were sent the Fellowes Powershred 73Ci, Rich was absolutely delighted. The shredder we had been using was at least 8 years old, and while it got the job done, it wasn’t very pleasant. It jammed all the time, and it was really loud.
Rich popped the Powershred 73Ci out of the box and was happily shredding, along with Samuel, within about 60 seconds. There are so many features on this shredder, and I love them all! However, the very first thing I noticed was how quiet the Fellowes Powershred is. While our old shredder sounded like a freight train running through the house, this one is just a pleasant, low hum. Seriously. I had no idea quiet shredders like this exist!
And, this one doesn’t jam! It is advertised as “Jam-Proof,” and it appears to be just that! It electronically measures the thickness of the paper you’re shredding and adjusts the power necessary to shred it. So for those thicker piles, you can actually hear it as it starts powering through the job. This is a feature that Rich really loves!
This powerful crosscut shredder will cross-cut 12 sheets into approximately 397 particles. It will also cut right through credit cards, CDs/DVDs, staples, and it even appears to handle paper clips!
My favorite feature is the Safe Sense technology. the shredder will stop working when hands touch the paper opening or the metal rim around the paper opening. Samuel was very willing to test this out, over and over again! He was helping Daddy shred papers and proved to us that this feature does, indeed, work. When the shredder senses hands near the paper opening, it shuts off and a little orange light lights up. As a result, I have no fears about Samuel being around this machine. I know his precious little fingers will be completely safe, even while I’m using it!
The touch screen is also really nice, giving the shredder a very polished, clean look. The buttons are simple. There is a power button, and reverse button, and a forward button.
With a six gallon pull-out waste bin capacity and 10 minute continuous run time (after 10 minutes there is an automatic 20-minute cool down period to prevent overheating), you can plow through piles of paper in no time! This is a HUGE step up from our old shredder, and we absolutely love it!
Buy It:
Fellowes products can be purchased at retailers including Target, Walmart, Office Depot, Office Max, and online at Amazon
Darlene Jones-Nelson says
I love that this is less loud the one we have is loud but it works for paper. I love that this one works for cd’s and credit cards.
LAMusing says
In these days of identity theft, using a shredder is a no-brainer 🙂
Anne says
This shredder has some great features. Good to know. Thanks for the review.
Robin O says
I have a small shredder that can only handle 2 sheets at a time, and it drives me crazy!
This one sounds fantastic and would be much more efficient!
Bobby Tarumi says
Fellowes really does make the best office products. Good review! I really need one of these for all my decade-old bank statements.
Sandy VanHoey says
We have one of their shredders similar to this one and we love it. Works great
Maria Malaveci says
We desperately need this!
Helga says
That’s a powerful shredder, it cuts more than paper!
Betsy Barnes says
I really like that this one shreds credit cards etc, very nice 🙂
Christy Anderson says
We’ve been in the market for a shredder and this looks like a great one! Thanks for the review!
Holly Thomas says
I need a new shredder, this one is awesome!!
Lenora D says
I have really got to get one of these. It would banish my last excuse to procrastinate and my desk is getting desperate.
Michelle S says
Random, but I have always wanted a paper shredder to shred our documents when we can’t get around to burning them in the winter.
Kate F. says
Thanks for the review! I’ve been thinking of getting a new shredder.
Katie Roch says
A shredder is definitely an essential for any home with the high risk of identity fraud. I really love the Jam-Proof feature this one has.
Daraya says
Thanks for reviewing! Since tax season is over, I think I should buy a new shredder for next year! My shredder is getting old and worn out!
Janet W. says
Wow what a neat product that it can sense hands and it shuts off! Perfect for my household with two young grandsons! Seems like great quality!
Andrew says
This is amazing and indeed much needed office product. I am really surprised to read about Safe Sense technology feature in this product. I much say that every office should keep this product in their office.